node-connect

Diagnose OpenClaw node connection and pairing failures across LAN, Tailscale, and public routes.

Updated Mar 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/srgaba/open-claw --skill node-connect-srgaba
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: node-connect
Source: https://github.com/srgaba/open-claw/tree/main/project/skills/node-connect
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/srgaba/open-claw --skill node-connect-srgaba

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Companion apps for Android, iOS, and macOS often fail to connect or pair with an OpenClaw gateway, and the root cause is usually a mismatched network route rather than an app bug. This Skill systematically identifies the real route from node to gateway, verifies what the gateway is actually advertising, and fixes pairing or authentication failures. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Topology-First Diagnosis: Classifies the setup as same machine, same LAN, Tailscale tailnet, or public URL before proposing any fix, avoiding cross-route guesswork. - Canonical Config Inspection: Runs openclaw qr --json, config getters, and openclaw devices list to read the actual advertised gatewayUrl and urlSource instead of guessing. - Root-Cause Mapping: Maps specific errors like loopback-only binding, expired bootstrap tokens, unauthorized responses, and pending pairing requests to concrete fixes. - Use Case: A user scans a QR code on the same Wi-Fi but the app cannot connect. The Skill detects the gateway is bound to loopback, recommends gateway.bind=lan, regenerates the setup code, and approves the pending device pairing. ## Quick Start Diagnose why my Android app cannot connect to my OpenClaw gateway over Tailscale and tell me the exact fix.

Frequently Asked Questions about node-connect

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I fix OpenClaw node connection failures?

First identify the intended route: same machine, same LAN, Tailscale tailnet, or public URL. Then run openclaw qr --json to see the actual advertised gatewayUrl and urlSource, and fix the config path that is advertising the wrong route before regenerating the setup code.

Why does my OpenClaw app say pairing required?

Pairing required means the network route and authentication already worked, but the device is awaiting approval. Run openclaw devices list to see the pending request, then approve it with openclaw devices approve --latest instead of changing network config.

Why does OpenClaw QR setup fail on the same Wi-Fi network?

The gateway is usually bound to loopback, so it advertises 127.0.0.1 or localhost which other devices cannot reach. Set gateway.bind=lan, restart the gateway, generate a fresh setup code, and rescan.

Can I connect an OpenClaw node over Tailscale?

Yes, use gateway.tailscale.mode=serve or gateway.bind=tailnet so the gateway advertises a tailnet route. Verify the host is actually on Tailscale with tailscale status --json, and ensure gateway.auth.allowTailscale matches the intended flow.

What does bootstrap token invalid or expired mean in OpenClaw?

It means the setup code is stale, often because it was generated before a URL or auth fix. Generate a fresh setup code after correcting the route configuration and rescan it in the app.